Texas Tech softball coach Gerry Glasco made a surprising WCWS pitching decision in Game 1, benching aces NiJaree Canady and Kaitlyn Terry early in Wednesday's 7-3 loss at Devon Park.
The pre-game softball roster listed Canady as the Game 1 starter, but Terry took the circle instead. Glasco used the same tactic to win Game 3 against Florida in the NCAA super regionals, and in Texas Tech's semifinal win over No. 1 Alabama.
"I'm really comfortable putting NiJa in a game — I'm not comfortable taking her out of a game," Glasco said.
"So I tend to wait — I usually wait too long with NiJa, and I feel like it's an easier choice for me to go [with Terry]."
Texas Tech later turned to sophomore Samantha Lincoln to eat innings. She allowed two runs on four hits in 3.1 innings after pitching just 17% of the team's games this season, while the Red Raiders offense failed to back up her efforts.
"If we didn't get anything, I didn't feel like I could leave NiJa out there and let them look at her," Glasco explained. "I want the matchup tomorrow."
Glasco Wants Canady, Terry Fresh for WCWS Game 2
2024 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year NiJaree Canady enters Thursday's Game 2 with a record 19 WCWS appearances and a chance to extend Texas Tech's best-of-three series chances.
However, Texas could counter with senior Citlaly Gutierrez, who carries a 2.27 ERA, instead of ace Teagan Kavan, who threw a complete-game victory to win the series opener.
Game 2 of the 2026 WCWS kicks off tonight at 8 PM ET, live on ESPN.
